A new study published in the March issue of the journal 'Pediatrics' indicates that dairy foods such as milk have little to do with the development of strong bones in children and young adults. The study was conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
The group released a statement saying that 'Under scientific scrutiny, the support for the milk myth crumbles,' the statement reads. 'This analysis ... shows that the evidence on which the U.S. dairy intake recommendations are based is scant.'
Instead, the study claims that physical activity early in life is a better indicator of strong bone development.
This study was actually a review of 37 previous studies on the subject. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine said that 27 of the 37 studies showed no correlation between a high intake of dairy products and bone health in children or young adults.
The dairy industry fired back sharply and cited the bias of the PCRM which is very pro-animal rights. In fact, the PCRM advocates a vegan diet and opposes all forms of animal research. Vegans consume no meat or animal products such as eggs, cheese or milk in their diets.
The American Dairy Council immediately contested the group's findings. It's web site touts studies done by its researchers which 'indicate that milk intake during childhood and adolescence is associated with greater bone mass and protection against fractures in later years.'
